At this point in time, hands down my addition of VYGER Atlantis turntable (with Titan controller) has had the most impressive boost in realism I’ve heard from a single component upgrade.
Lots of upgrades have boosted the quality of playback — I think moving to an Audio Research Ref10 pre would have been the other biggest change, but have to keep in mind what the level of my system was when I made that change. I have been lucky my improvements have universally improved sound quality. I don’t profess to be a reviewer so can’t make statements related to degree of improvement. Some are clearly better on first listen, others reveal over time.
Adding the Etsuro MasterGold cartridge was better immediately but over time the beauty revealed itself in musical flow, grace, nuance and delicacy, exposing subtleties that were previously hidden.
But now, with the MasterGold playing on the VYGER it absolutely soars. I knew my AMG viella12 table was considered a peak into top turntable performance, but have been gobsmacked the delta between it and the VYGER Atlantis. As my audio buddies have been exposed universally I am told it is the best vinyl playback they’ve heard, that the analog source now is commensurate with the quality of the other components and the sound has taken a quantum leap towards, as Ron says, “the suspension of disbelief”.
(And those who know me and have read my posts over the years, I am loathe to use the word “quantum” wrt to anything audio.)
Hoping I can find a digital playback improvement that is on par. The Taiko server was a major upgrade but I expect my DAC, while good, is likely similar to the AMG table — capable and competent, yet not at an elite level.
Of course, because of my affiliation with Rhapsody.Audio, some will read this a shameless promotion, but this my honest opinion of my experience and my system. You are always welcome to have a visit and listen for yourself — I find real joy in sharing with others.